27-November-2022: Tea Demand, Solidaridad, Farmer Unions, Jharkhand, Oilseed Crops, GST on Farm Products

27 November 2022

• Tea Demand Fell by 10.35 percent during Sale-47: CTTA Data

  According to CTTA officials, the total offerings totaled 2,46,299 packages (71,22,834 kg) and included 1,31,783 packages of CTC leaf, 72,850 packages of Orthodox, 3,417 packages of Darjeeling leaf, and 38,249 packages of Dust teas. This week's CTC leaf saw a healthy demand, with 23,60,214 kg sold at an average price of Rs 200.15 per kg. The majority of demand fell between Rs 150 and Rs 200 per kg. At a lower price level, approximately 24.51 percent was claimed, while 19.06 percent was demanded at a higher price level.

• Turning Wastewater into Fertilizer is Viable & could Make Agriculture More Sustainable: Study

  According to environmental engineering researchers at Drexel University, wastewater draining from massive pools of sewage sludge has the potential to play a role in more sustainable agriculture. A new study of removing ammonia from wastewater and converting it into fertilizer suggests that it is not only technically feasible but also has the potential to reduce the environmental and energy footprint of fertilizer production – and even provide a revenue stream for utilities and water treatment facilities.

• Solidaridad & CRB to Launch Regenagri Cotton Alliance, to Step Up Fight Against Climate Change

  Solidaridad Asia and the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) are preparing to launch the regenagri Cotton Alliance (rCA), a cotton stakeholders' alliance, to promote regenerative farming practises in India. Through various partnership projects in India, the Alliance estimates that adopting such practises will save at least one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030 while improving the livelihoods of over 500,000 smallholder farmers and the agricultural community. It is also expected to result in a positive shift toward sustainable cotton sourcing by brands and retailers, assisting them on their path to net-zero emissions.

• Farmer Unions To March To Raj Bhavans Across India

  Farmers first gathered at the Shaheed Smarak to hold a meeting before staging a march. They later marched toward the Civil Lines. Following the conclusion of their march, the protesting farmers presented their demands to the Governor. Farmer leader Rajaram Meel highlighted the long war fought by farmers against the three farm laws, mentioning the historic back out of the centre in regaining control of the three farm laws. "Following that, the government promised in writing on December 9, 2021, an MSP guarantee and the return of the electricity law. However, the promises have yet to be fulfilled. Farmers have been completely betrayed. The 'next phase of the Farmer Protests' begins today," he stated.

• Jharkhand Govt Seeks Rs 9,682 Crore Package from Center for Drought-Affected Blocks

  The JMM-led government declared 226 of the state's 260 blocks drought-affected on October 29 and decided to provide a cash relief of Rs 3,500 to each affected farmer family under the chief minister's drought relief scheme. "The state government has submitted a financial memorandum to the Centre for assistance. We have requested a package of Rs 9,682 crore," state Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh said via video conference during a review meeting with deputy commissioners and his department's officers from all districts.

• Oilseed Crops Attract Farmers Despite Dismal Harvest in Last Season

  Oilseed crops like mustard and toriya continue to allure farmers despite the disappointing results from last season. The recent data confirms the fact, as the area covered with mustard expanded from 2,390 hectares in the rabi season of 2020–21 to 5,160 hectares in the following year. Despite the crop fetching decent prices, Rs 6,200 - Rs 6,500 per quintal for black mustard and Rs 7,200 - Rs 7,500 per quintal for yellow mustard, farmers were unable to turn it into profit due to the low yield. According to a report, approximately 4,360 hectares of mustard and over 2,500 hectares of toriya have been planted by mid-November this year. Though, as per the Agriculture Department, the season's final report has not been put together yet.

• Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar to Ask Centre to Remove GST on Farm Products

  While addressing the people at the Krishithon Agriculture Expo held in Nashik, the state agriculture minister Abdul Sattar said that his government will urge the Centre to abolish GST from farm supplies including fertilizer, seeds, and even agricultural equipment. "It is critical to lower the cost of agricultural inputs. Farmers will benefit from reduced GST rates on all goods used for farming. I have spoken with chief minister Eknath Shinde about the situation, and the state government would shortly bring this topic up with the Center", he said in his speech at the event.